Addressing US Jews, Obama defends his policies with Iran, Palestinians

During his visit to Adas Israel Synagogue in Washington on Thursday, US President Barack Obama attempted to persuade American Jews that his policies regarding Palestinian issue and Iran do not go against their interest.

There was applause after every single phrase announced by Obama, who said: “The deal that we already reached with Iran has already halted or rolled back parts of Iran’s nuclear program. Now we’re seeking a comprehensive solution. I will not accept a bad deal.”

He added: “This deal will have my name on it, so nobody has a bigger personal stake in making sure that it delivers on its promise. I want a good deal.”

Obama told the Jews that the deal would impose “unprecedented inspections” on all elements of Iran’s nuclear programme, “so that they can’t cheat; and if they try to cheat, we will immediately know about it and sanctions snap back on.”

For him, he told the Jews: “A deal that makes the world and the region — including Israel — more secure. That’s how I define a good deal.”

About the Palestinian-Israeli issue, he said: “And I believe that’s two states for two peoples, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.”

He frankly called the occupied Palestine a Jewish homeland and avoided to describe Palestinians as living in their own land. “Just as Israelis built a state in their homeland, Palestinians have a right to be a free people on their land, as well,” he said.

“Now, I want to emphasise the Palestinians are not the easiest of partners,” he said. “The neighbourhood is dangerous. And we cannot expect Israel to take existential risks with their security so that any deal that takes place has to take into account the genuine dangers of terrorism and hostility.”